Experimental Study and Theoretical Analysis on Flexural Mechanical Propertiesof Reinforced Timber Beams

As Chinese architecture masterpiece, ancient Hui-style architecture is the admiration for Chinese and foreign master builders. According to the bending test, the theoretical calculations and Abaqus finite element analysis on 5 Hui-style architecture beams, this paper points out the differences between un-reinforced beams and reinforced beams on ultimate bearing capacity, deflection and other performance indicators. The reinforcement methods of embedding steel bars, embedding CFRP bars and pasting CFRP plate can respectively improve the ultimate bearing capacity by 20.2%, 32.6% and 37.0%. Based on the plane section assumption and considering thereduction of tensile strength causedby wood knots and defects in tension zone, this paper predicts failure modes of the test beams may occur, and gives the ultimate bearing capacity of different failure modes. In addition, this paper uses the Abaqus finite element software for simulating test beams, and the development trend of load-deflectioncurve between the test and numerical simulation are in good agreement, providing reference for further research of Hui-style architecture. © 2018 SAGE Publications Ltd.